Former rebel fighters join campaign against Ebola in the DR Congo
Demobilised former combatants are actively joining the fight against Ebola by participating in public information campaigns in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Twenty-seven former rebels are being deployed as community mobilisers in the Tchomia locality of Ituri Province to promote behaviours that prevent the spread of the deadly virus. The Ebola outbreak is on track to be
Source: United Nations News · August 16, 2026 at 6:28 PM · AI-assisted report
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 AUGUST 2026 —
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Former rebel fighters join Ebola fight in DR Congo, raising regional health risks
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KINSHASA, Aug 16 (Reuters) — Twenty-seven demobilised former rebels have been deployed as community mobilisers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Ituri Province to combat the spread of Ebola, as the outbreak threatens to become the deadliest in the country’s history.
The initiative, supported by the United Nations peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, aims to leverage the former combatants’ influence in conflict-affected areas where distrust of authorities and armed groups have hindered public health efforts. The mobilisers, trained in prevention and detection, are stationed in high-traffic zones such as markets, town centres, and livestock feed sites in Tchomia, promoting handwashing, symptom identification, and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
The current Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species—against which no approved vaccine exists—has already claimed over 2,000 lives across the DRC, according to latest figures. The virus has spread to a sixth province and poses a growing risk of crossing into neighbouring South Sudan, where health systems remain fragile. Years of conflict in eastern DRC, driven by rebel factions, have displaced millions, exacerbating the crisis by disrupting healthcare access and fuelling misinformation.
MONUSCO’s involvement underscores the dual objective of addressing the public health emergency while supporting stabilisation efforts. The peacekeeping mission has facilitated the demobilisation of former fighters, many of whom now serve as bridges between communities and health responders. “This action illustrates their involvement in community life after demobilisation,” a MONUSCO representative said.
Local NGO coordinator Florent Nzama emphasised the strategic value of engaging former rebels. “The idea here is to make these former combatants and community members active participants in the fight against Ebola,” he stated. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to rebuild trust in regions where armed groups have long undermined state authority.
The deployment comes as the DRC grapples with logistical hurdles, including poor road networks and ongoing insecurity, which have hampered containment efforts. Health workers continue to face resistance in some areas, where misinformation and fear of authorities persist. The outbreak’s trajectory remains uncertain, with experts warning that without sustained intervention, the crisis could escalate further.
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Outlook: The deployment of former rebels as health mobilisers reflects an innovative approach to combating Ebola in conflict zones, but the outbreak’s spread to new provinces and neighbouring countries underscores the urgency of coordinated international support. Long-term containment will depend on sustained funding, community engagement, and security improvements in eastern DRC.